London is such a beautiful place to be during the festive season and if you are here during this time, it’s a wonderful opportunity to purchase gifts for your loved ones. This year we have again asked our team to tell us their favourite shops and online stores which we have compiled into this guide.
Amara.
Amara is a beautiful online shop selling a wide selection of gifts and homeware.
Bailey & Bellini.
We absolutely adore this local company who sell the most beautifully vibrant, handmade luxury dog accessories. It’s the perfect place to find something special for your four-legged friend!
Benjamin Pollock’s Toyshop, Covent Garden, WC2E 8RF.
In 1856 Benjamin Pollock opened his first shop, selling goods inspired by his interest in toy theatres. It was frequented by Charlie Chaplin and loved by author Robert Louis Stevenson who noted ‘If you love art, folly or the bright eyes of children, speed to Pollock’s’. Benjamin Pollock’s in Covent Garden really is an absolute treat. Its range includes toy theatres, shadow boxes and puppets – wonderful gifts for theatre lovers of any age!
Borough Market, Southwark Street, SE1 1TL.
Borough Market is a must-do for any foodie; established in 1756, this wonderful historic market is the perfect place to find the finest selection of high-quality food and drinks. It’s dog-friendly too!
Floris, Jermyn Street, SW1Y 6JH.
England’s oldest retailer of fragrance and toiletries is still family owned and run today by the 8th and 9th generation of the family. They were established at this address from 1730! A perfect stop for all things fragrant, for both men and women. The interior is especially noteworthy, with cabinets from the Great Exhibition of 1851.
Forman & Field, Stour Road, E3 2NT.
Forman & Field are a gourmet food supplier who assemble the most mouth-watering hampers. Their breath-taking range includes artisan British high-quality fish, grass-fed meats, rare breed poultry and artisan cheese.
Fortnum & Mason, Piccadilly, W1A 1ER.
Just a short walk from Hertford Street will bring you to the historic Fortnum & Mason on Piccadilly. Wander around the most beautiful shop as you select the finest grocery items for your hand-picked hamper (or choose one which has been ready prepared). Their conserves are an absolute treat so be sure to take some home for yourself too!
GOSH.
Purchase some fabulous cards and gifts whilst supporting the incredible Great Ormond Street Hospital.
Hamleys, Regent Street, W1B 5BT.
Hamleys, which has been located on Regent Street since 1881, covers six floors and has the most impressive and comprehensive range of traditional and modern toys for all ages.
Harrods, Brompton Road, SW1X 7XL.
Established in 1849 as a grocers when the area was a small village on the outskirts of London, it continues to sell fine food and drink as well as designer clothing and homewares. At Christmas time the shop is adorned with a staggering 12,000 lights. It looks so beautiful; it will take your breath away!
Hatchards, Piccadilly, W1J 9LE.
We completely adore Hatchards, our local (and London’s oldest) bookshop, which was established in 1797. Visit their website whilst planning your visit as they have devised the most helpful recommendations list, categorised by genre. They also have a fabulous range of signed books and first editions – the perfect gifts for book lovers!
Liberty London, Regent Street, W1B 5AH.
This beautiful Tudor style building, when bedecked in festive lights, epitomises Christmas in London. The historic emporium, with its own line of iconic fabrics, is the perfect place to find luxury beauty items, designer clothing and homeware.
Marylebone High Street: Cancer Research Shop & Oxfam.
The Cancer Research Shop & Oxfam (both of which have stores along Marylebone High Street) are fantastic places to find cards, gift wrap, gifts and decorations.
Museum shops.
Why not combine culture with shopping? If you are visiting a museum or gallery, we highly recommend you take a moment to browse in their shops where you find exclusive treasures based on their collections and exhibitions. Your purchases are such wonderful way to support them!
Neal’s Yard Remedies, Covent Garden, WC2H 9DP.
Visit apothecarist Neal’s Yard flagship boutique to find the finest organic beauty products, herbs, teas, remedies and aromatherapy oils, beautifully presented in their iconic classic blue packaging.
Rockett St George.
Rockett St George’s online shop has a fabulous range of gift ideas, homeware and garden accessories.
Swedish Church in London, 6 Harcourt Street, W1H 4AG.
A fantastic place to obtain authentic Swedish goods including groceries (with all you need for your Julbord), Christmas decorations, advent lights, candles and gifts.
Universal Providers.
Universal Providers offer the most exquisite collection of luxury items; it’s the perfect place to find unusual and unique pieces.
How about creating a gift using a selection of items from different shops? Many now provide sustainable, and often beautifully decorated, reusable packaging which can be repurposed for presenting your own tailormade hamper of goodies.